Daniel Ricciardo is hoping Renault’s latest engine upgrade will provide Red Bull with some answers as to whether continuing with the French manufacturer next season is the right move.
The Australian is set to run the power unit, with a decision as to whether team-mate Daniil Kvyat will run it due on Saturday morning, once both Renault and Red Bull have had time to evaluate it.
Ricciardo expects the upgrade to provide Red Bull with some answers as to what development direction Renault are taking, and whether it’s a path they support.
“As Red Bull we want to know,” he is quoted by Motorsport. “We are undecided on what we are going to do next year, so if maybe we do see something positive for this weekend and take forward for next year, it could give us an option or give us a clarity on where we want to go.”
For Ricciardo, he’s interested to see how well the upgrade performs, though he’s been warned not to expect much in terms of power.
“For sure I am curious. But I am not getting my hopes up. Renault said it is not going to give me a whole lot of lap time, between one tenth and two tenths.
“If they say between one and two tenths, then it is probably more like a tenth,” he added.
“I am curious to know more the driveability: if there is something from it, whether it picks up the throttle cleaner, or if there is something here which can be positive and that can help with tyre wear or things during the race.
“This is something I am more interested in.”
